{love like woe} hyperion

[!DETOXi]

THE day was cool and bright, the trees around the stable bursting with oranges and reds when Emily led Neumi out of her stall. A cool breeze caressed her blue roan bodice as she let herself be led out of the stable. A few horses nickered from the pasture but Umi didn't bother to reply, knowing they were down in the south pasture where mares and geldings were kept. The stallions pasture was on the north side but no one really went there except the humans that rode stallions. Since Emily hadn't put any sort of riding equipment on Neumi, the mare assumed she wasn't being ridden today which sort of ticked her off. She liked the exercise and the comfortable rhythm of going around the jumps or going through the paces of a dressage routine. They passed the jumping ring though and Neumi spotted a chestnut gelding that she knew pretty well being put through his paces. She would have called out a greeting but knew better than to offer a distraction. That particular gelding was prone to tripping up if he wasn't completely focused on the task at hand and had caused at least one nasty accident in the past that Umi could remember.

INSTEAD of going to the pasture, which was the next logical place Neumi would be taken without any sort of tack, she was led around to the back of the barn where small corrals penned new horses. Twitching her ears, Umi became suspicous. This must have something to do with the wild stallion she'd met, the one that had let himself be dragged in. She hadn't seen him recently because vets had been trying to make sure he was healthy but she'd heard all the gossip from horses that had spied him. Apparently more than a few mares hoped their humans put them in the north pasture with him or something along those lines. Neumi thought they were all insane. They just didn't know how rude he could be and how he had tried to intimidate innocent bystanders out at the canyon. Oh well. Lock them in with him for a few minutes and they would learn fast enough, or at least the smart ones might. There were a few mares here that were a few bales short of a harvest.

TAIL swishing idly, Neumi let herself be led into one of the bigger corrals. Emily unclipped her lead rope and started stroking her neck.

"JIM'S gonna bring the new stallion back here since you two were so friendly earlier," Emily said, running her hand along Neumi's neck when she hung her head over the top rung of the fence. She nibbled at her girl's braided hair making her giggle. "Just be good and try to keep him calm ok? I know you can do it girl, you're such a good girl." Neumi blinked balefully at her girl while Emily went on talking, Umi only understanding half of what was said.

FROM the sound of it, the stallion was going to be coaxed out of one of the enclosed corrals that was used when it rained and events had to be shuffled around. Neumi only got that much because Emily kept jesturing to the building and wasn't so sure how much she liked this plan. She'd tolerated the big oaf for the sake of her human and her trainer. This was just going a little too far. If Emily expected her to let him get friendly, she had another thing coming that was for sure. Either way, the idea of being penned up with the big brute wasn't on the top of her bucket list. She'd been tied to him once and that had been bad enough. Already she could hear the gossip that was going to circulate about all of this. Mentally she grimaced at the thought of it. In a stable, gossip was a big part of the herd, more so than in wild herds. Some mares would think her lucky while others would think she was just a crossbred slut. Already her lack of pedigree tended to get her in tiffs with the other mares, the older ones that had national champions, racing legends olympic mounts in their family trees. Her only response to that was that they had to be inbred.

SNORTING, Neumi ambled away from the fence as Emily left. Going toward the middle of the corral, Neumi stood quietly, looking around for signs of Jim coming with the big brute. If she had to do this, they might as well get the torture over with as quickly as possible.

[[H]yperion]

The early fall air was cool. The sun had shone brightly, but was letting off a different color hue. It wasn't the bright harsh light of summer, but a softer almost orange light to signal that the seasons were changing. It was perfect weather too. Not too hot, not too cold. The way the wind blew through actually cooled the skin beneath the short coats and didn't make it more miserable.The trees seemed to be enjoying it too. Gently they wavered, dancing to their own song which was whispered on the wind. Showers of leaves and needles fell from the willow-like branches, covering the paddocks in a soft carpet of pine needles.

The stallion had fallen asleep in a soft undercut of a tree. His long and lean body was draped across the lifted roots, looking almost like a dead body left for a sacrifice to the trees. Hyperion had some time off and was taking full advantage of it. Soon after he had arrived at the stables, he had been prodded, poked, stabbed with tiny metal things, washed, clipped, groomed and much more. Whilst it was all very uncomfortable, he felt like a new horse. And most certainly looked like one too.

A familiar voice roused the stallion from his sleep, his heavy head lifted to peer groggily at Jim. Ah Jim. What a nice man. And even though he really hadn't expected all that happened, Jim had always been there, every night. He would sit there and talk to the stag, pet him and offer him those delicious little mints. He hadn't seen Umi for days however, and he guessed that Jim was not her owner. The girl human must have been, and she was back with her.

With a lazy snort, Hyperion got to his feet, nudging Jim for his morning mint. Whilst these actions were far from what he was a few days ago, he was only like this with Jim. Any other human that came near him had not been tolerated, and he had made that quite clear. Another thing that had surprised him was how many horses there were here. He too heard the whispers, the gossip around the stables. He paid no heed to much of it, only listening in if Umi's name was mentioned. He decided that the mare mustn't be far.

And with that, Jim had put a rope around him, and started to lead him out. Whilst he had gotten used to the ropes, Jim was still having a hard time breaking the stag in. Hype really didn't like the weight on his back, although the saddle was creeping up on him. He was sure that he would soon allow Jim to ride him. Where was the fun without putting up a little fight?

The brute neighed happily as he exited the small corral, his brown orbs finally getting a good look at his surroundings. Kicking out his feet irritable though, his orbs drew away from the refreshing sight. The shoes they had put on him felt so unnatural still, and he hoped it would soon pass. Playfully nudging Jim in the back with his nose, it was Hypes way showing his appreciation. He wouldn't go so far as to say that he loved Jim, but he had been the closest 'friend' the stallion had ever had.

Minutes later he was lead to a large corral, which was completely empty despite one familiar form. Umi. His head shook anxiously. Whilst their first meeting did not go down so well at all, perhaps this one might be better. After all, he was almost domestic now, surely she would like that.

When the mare would see him, she would see how different he was. Sure he was not bad when he was wild, but just take a look at him now. His long rugged coat was short and fine, still shining as it always did. His mane and tail weren't so long and tangled, but smooth and brushed. He was quite possibly, handsome. Jim stopped him a few feet from the mare, patting him roughly on the neck.

"Now you be a good boy you 'ere? No funny stuff."

He joked, winking at Umi, beckoning her over with a mint. Hyperion didn't know why they had been placed alone together, he was actually quite keen to meet some of the locals. Nodding at Umi, the stallions massive frame shivered as he snorted a calm, genuine 'Hello.'

[/center]

[!DETOXi]

FOR the first time in her life, Neumi wished she could drop her jaw in amazement. The black stallion being led toward the corral wasn't the same shaggy stag she'd met in the canyon. Oh no, this was a boy worth the gossip. No wonder some of even the pickiest ladies had been shooting lustful glances and whispering nonstop about him. Wathcing him approach, Neumi couldn't help but appriciate some of the improvements the humans had made in him. His coat was no longer ragged, instead it shone with the quality of fine black silk. The mane and tail that had been overgrown and tangled were now sleek and flowed easily in the breeze. When his hooves picked up from the earth to step, Neumi heard the distinct sound of metal horseshoes. If someone had told her a week ago that she would meet a wild stallion, end up bringing him into the domestic world and actually get to see the fruits of her accidental encounter, she would have said they were mad or dilerious with colic or something of that nature. Those things just didn't happen. At least, she didn't think they used to. Now though, Jim was leaning over the corral's top rung, offering her a mint and talking playfully while the stallion stood nearby on a lead. It took a moment for Neumi to absorb this information and begin to move.

BREAKING from her statue-like standing, Neumi trotted a full circuit around the corral, her hooves kicking up a little dust. She arched her neck and whisked her tail, not showing off for the stag (at least that's what she told herself) but instead being her normal playful self. Jim would recognize the behavior since he trained her in jumping, he knew she didn't come close without a little insentive and this morning, she needed a little more motivation than just a mint. If he was going to lock her in with a stallion, she needed all the motivation he could give. So, opposite the stallion and Jim, she stopped, lowered her head and nickered, looking pointedly at the human. He laughed, the sound warm and rough, and said something coaxing. Neumi flicked her tail and snorted, pawing the ground. Jim spoke again and this time Neumi heard the words 'pretty girl, come on and behave.' Killjoy.

SNORTING softly, Neumi ambled across the corral, her soft muzzle brushing Jim's palm as she plucked the mint from him. Standing clear of the gate so Jim could bring the stallion in, the blue roan regarded the stag as he was led in. Apparently this was some ploy to "socialize" the stallion. At least, that was all he was getting from her. She wasn't easy and they hadn't gotten along so well last time, though now she was in a better mood, if a bit restless. That was mainly why she had done her little trot around the corral, she was a competition mare, used to daily exercise. This was insane and she wanted to make sure Jim knew it.

"WELL well, you clean up nice," Umi commented innocently, brown eyes sweeping the once wild stag. "Now I know what all the girls were talking about when they said a new tall dark and handsome had rolled into town."

SHE wouldn't dote on him quite like the other mares probably would have, but Neumi wasn't a cruel soul. She knew the transition had to be hard but she wasn't going to fawn over him. He was just another brute in the end, if a bit more interesting in nature. The last time they'd met, her mood had been horrid, soured by a trailer ride. Today he was meeting the more normal Neumi, the one that broke up fights when she had to but more or less didn't pay much heed to the whims of the herd. If she really cared what they would all say, she wouldn't have let Emily put her in this blasted corral. Luckily for the brute, she was a loner within the society, socializing with a chosen few and tolerating all else. Whatever they threw at her, she could take it with ease.

[[H]yperion]

Hyperion watched Umi with caution. His curiosity peaked as she pranced around, his mind unsure of why she was doing it. Maybe they wouldn't be at each others throats today. Today, this filly didn't seem quite as insolent. Well, he hoped not. Then again she could just be putting on some nice act and trying to trick him. Of course, that was paranoia, a very rare occurrence in the Stallion. It wasn't that he was naive- but he tried to maintain a balance between being sure nothing would happen and being sure something would happen. With a light tap from Jim, the stag was bought out of his thoughts and ushered into the corral. His orbs looked back at the trainer briefly before his gaze focused shortly back onto Umi. She threw light compliments at him, and if he too could raise his brows, he would have.

"If only they knew, eh?"

He teased her, flicking his tail. If only they did know. Sure he looked nice and normal on the outside, but Umi knew better. Then again, she wasn't all that normal either. Her display matched his own on their very first meeting, and perhaps those events might still unravel today. Then the humans might actually get the hint, and separate them for good. However the stallion didn't feel like any nonsense, and he made a mental note to steer clear of it.

After the thought was planted firmly in his mind, Hyperion did his own sort of prance, getting a feel of the area. It was much bigger than the current one he was in, but it felt a little claustrophobic knowing the filly was near. If they didn't get along to begin with, what hope was there? The stallion nodded his large head at her before trotting toward the trainer once more, nibbling at the sleeve of his jumper. Jim just pushed his nose away with a light laugh, he wasn't getting anymore mint's this morning. And with that, Jim tipped his hat at the pair and sauntered off back to the stables.

With his back still turned away from Umi, Hyperion realized that they never had a proper introduction. With his tail flicking yet again, the brute turned to face the filly once more. He hoped their was no silliness from her today, he didn't really want to upset Jim by hurting her.

"Names Hyperion."

He stated gruffly, his voice deep and almost beckoning. It wasn't really much of a conversation starter, but it was a hell of a lot better than last time.

[/center]

[!DETOXi]

WATCHING in silence as the black stag did a quick trotting prance around the arena, Neumi kept her stance in the center with her tail lazily flicking from side to side. She wasn't too surprised when the stallion finally introduced himself, though she was pretty sure Jim had given him a proper show name. No matter, what Jim called the stag was Jim's business so, Neumi decided to give him her own title. Hyperion just seemed too...stuffy, too high and mighty for a silly stallion that had wandered in off the range. Sure, today he looked all business with a glossy coat and clipped hooves but Neumi, unlike the other mares in the stable, had seen him smell like road kill with his mane in knots. They didn't know how low he really was, and though she wasn't intentionally trying to keep him that low, Hyperion was just too regal for someone like that. After all, everyone called her Umi, why shouldn't he have his own little nickname? It was part of life at the stables, having many names. There was a regal name for shows, a barn name for the humans and a nickname because it was all just too much to remember.

TROTTING lightly around the stallion, Neumi twitched her ears as she came back to stand in front of him, eyeing him critically like she had seen the judges do to her so many times before.

"Hmm, Hyperion huh? My name is Neumi but, I bet you already know people call me Umi. And I'm going to call you Hype, because that seems to be what you've caused. I don't think I've passed a filly in the pastures that's not whispering about the 'mysterious wild horse' the humans brought in."

SNORTING softly at the memory of such silliness, Neumi ambled over to the fence of the corral and looked out. Mostly all she could see was the back of the barn but if she stood at the right angle, she could see a corner of the mare's pasture. If she could see it, no doubt they could see her. Oh today would just be lovely and tomorrow would be worse. Huffing softly, Neumi swung her head to look at Hype.

"YOU know what? The last time the humans put me in a corral with a stallion, I think Emily wanted me to get pregnant."

IT was an idle, nonchalant statement spoken with the same tones as though she'd just commented on the weather. In reality, that's sort of what it was. Neumi had rejected that stallion, but she knew what the humans wanted when they put a mare and stallion together. That might not be the intention this time, but one never knew with humans. More often than not, Neumi had seen mares mate with stallions they did not love, stallions they never saw again even. Humans didn't breed horses for love. They bred horses to make fine babies with fancy pedigrees and proper genes. Hyperion didn't know that part of the life of a stable horse. He didn't know all the politics and sacrifices it took. Might as well break it to him while he was paying attention, at least she thought he was paying attention. It was hard to tell when he so often had a dumb look on his face.

OH well, couldn't kill her for trying. If he didn't learn from her, he'd learn from some prancing filly that was too innocent to know or from some old nag that had been through that particular mill.

[[H]yperion]

As soon as the filly spoke, the spark of curiosity within the stallions brown orbs faded and died. Her words drifted through his perked ears in a petty, know-it-all manner, and he couldn't help but snort at his expectations of a somewhat pleasant morning. Her cold eyes trailed over him, and his curling lip was a dead give away that he was not impressed. She was lethal. Inside and out. Her hostility was quite drawing however, and he wondered where all this pent up anger was coming from. She looked sweet enough. And she had told him all about her life with such pride and dignity, yet on the inside it was like she was wasting away and eating at herself. How sad.

Stomping his hoof into the dirt below repeatedly, it was clear to see that Hyperion had grown rather tired of her relentless facade. At least he had made an effort with himself to not be a dick, but she had other ideas. Was she that miserable that she had to make everyone around her miserable too? He should be the one to be miserable. He had taken a huge step, a rather life- changing move that he still wasn't accustomed too. Yet he didn't find every chance he could to let it be known how confused he was. A few hours after he had arrived here at the stables, Hyperion somewhat hoped that maybe Umi would help him through the transition. Of course the beginning was bad, but he couldn't deny that he had felt a connection with her, if only because she had been the only living soul that had such life, such fight inside her. But as he stared at the conflicted female now, he doubted he wanted help from a demented soul like herself.

Before he could respond to her first words, the stag let his mouth close as she shot her mouth off again. These words were blunt, to-the-point. He shook his head in disbelief at the sheer honesty she threw upon him, and couldn't help but laugh. Sure he was paranoid from time to time, but she, she was something else. Which also brought him to wonder why she had all this negativity toward males. Sure he didn't know about breeding in the eyes of the humans, but that's what you get for being in captivity. You do everything that they ask of you, why resist when it comes to that? Sure he didn't know all the 'politics' and such when it came to captivity, but hell, why should he care when it came to breeding? Obviously he was chosen for good reason, and he wasn't going to carry the kid around. He got his rocks off, what else mattered? It was stupid and downright infuriating. No, she was infuriating, and if he could have slapped her, he damn well would have.

"You don't have to worry about that Umi, I'm not going to touch you. If I didn't have to be here with you right now, I wouldn't be. So get your damn knickers out of a twist."

So much for the promise he had made to himself earlier. Well, promises were meant to be broken. If she hadn't been so damn intent on pushing him, maybe this whole stupid situation would have gone a little smoother.

[/center]

[!DETOXi]

THE humans would have their hands full with Hype when he got around to riding, Neumi could tell that. He was just as hostile as a wasp in the heat of June after someone smashed its nest. Snorting softly, Neumi rolled her dark brown eyes. In all honesty, she wasn't concerned about him touching her. She was more than capable of warding him off, if with nothing other than her personality. Evidently he didn't like her particular brand of mannerisms but, he wasn't the first. He could cry her a river, build a bridge and get over it. She had more than enough enemies and one more wasn't really a threat at this point. What his problem with her was, she did not know, nor did she particularly care. All she knew was that this was a total waste of time. She wanted to be jumping, galloping, even walking a trail would be better than this! If she was in the pasture, she would be rolling in the grass, running with the others. Ugh! Her girl knew she hated being cooped up for days! She'd been confined to her stall for two days since Hype had been brought in and now she was stuck in a corral with the big oaf.

A sound made Neumi raise her head, brown eyes moving to find the source. It was a low rumble. Moving and reangling her body, Neumi saw the mares in the pasture. Someone had started a game of tag, probably one of the fillies, board with standing around all day. Neumi could barely see them all jogging around, nipping at one another and tossing their heads before they went out of view at a quick gallop, moving to the other end of the pasture.

LETTING out a frustrated neigh, Umi reared up halfway, kicking out before dropping back to all fours. "UGH! Why am I stuck in here?" Umi fumed, ignoring the stag as she began to pace in restlessness. "I'm meant to work, not stand here and babysit their new toy!" Snorting loudly, Neumi shook her head and stomped her hooves, hooves digging deep gouges in the dusty ground. One of the passing humans clucked at her but she ignored him with an ill tempered snort. "What do they think he is, a foal? Jeez, this is worse than taking a fall!"

YEP, that was the source of Neumi's souring mood. She had thought at first that being in the corral would mean work or learning something new. Heck, even teaching Hype something would be preferable to this. This was just rediculous. She was just standing here, trapped with the big brute while the gossip mill turned and pounded her reputation into that of a wild horse's whore. Oh she'd never live this down! She was meant to work, jump, go through the dressage routine, trail ride, not stand here and look pretty for a snot-nosed colt with a bad attitude. Giving a frustrated sigh, Neumi gave up her restless pacing and went to the fence. Her blue roan side brushing the cool metal, Umi stood and stared pointedly away from Hype, tail flicking in an irritated rhythm as she glared daggers at the humans and horses that passed by from the stable heading to the trails and lesson corrals. A passing palomino whinnied at her, Umi shot him a look that would set fire to straw. He arched his neck and picked up pace a bit as he passed, his rider seeming none the wiser.

STOMPING her back hoof quietly, Neumi blew out a long suffering breath and arched her neck over the corral's top rung. It was going to be a long day. It wasn't Hype's fault. In her mind, her rational mind, Neumi knew that. The problem was, she was freaking bored, bored from lack of work. She didn't want to entertain the 'new kid', she wanted to be out stretching her legs, burning off some energy.

[[H]yperion]

Suddenly Hyperion regretted letting Jim walk him this way. Why couldn't he have pulled him further down the pastures, leading him to something, anything better than this. Irritation won through his mask and his teeth flashed making his dark muzzle scrunch up. An older colt he was, making it uncomfortable and hard sometimes to trust the words of others. Especially hers as she bellowed about, to no one in particular.

"Still your tongue!" He murmured to himself, not really caring if she had heard him. He felt like pulling his hair out. She was bored, and he was just plainly annoyed. His eyes followed hers, and they laid upon the frolicking filly's on the other side of the stables. He too wished he could be over there, whether he would be the only male or not, at least they would be much more entertaining, and actually give him some sort of attention. Not that he was an attention seeker, but by god, trying his hoof at one of the events and failing miserably would be a hell of a lot better than this.

They hated each other. They had to. No creatures had such burning distaste toward one another if they didn't. She felt as though he was child, and he felt the same about her. They hardly knew each other, but that's all they could come up with. She could easily piss off to the other side of the corral, and let him graze in peace. But of course that would be too easy, wouldn't it? His brown orbs shifted lazily to the right, left, and idled to a stop as they fell upon Umi's round backside. His head cocked as he stared, a devious smile sliding onto his long face. She was bored was she? His distorted plan, was just that. It could turn either way, and the stallion had already accepted the consequences.

Suppressing the rising chuckle in his thick throat, the stallion pranced somberly toward her. Slowing for a moment, Hyperion's white teeth gleamed under the sunlight as they leaned toward his target. His intention was to nip the top of her backside, giving her a nasty, or, much needed surprise. And if they found their mark, the stag would propel his long legs away from her, escaping any sort of retaliation with one magnificent cloud of dust.

[/center]

[!DETOXi]

A sharp pain rocketed Neumi out of her dreamworld of being free of the stallion, his teeth a pointed reminder that she was not free of him. Tossing her head the mare let out a surprised squeal and kicked up her back legs in response without even thinking, whirling around just in time to get a face full of dust. Snorting indignantly, Umi threw her head up high, nostrils flaring as she saw the black stag canter off to the other end of the corral prancing like he'd just won a battle. For a moment, Umi was astounded by what he had done, then angered, then astounded again. True she wasn't always the most playful of mares, sometimes a bit rough, but she was bored so, beggers can't be choosers. Pawing at the dusty ground, Neumi shook her head before bunching the muscles in her hind legs. Blue roan pelt rippling, she lunged.

SHE didn't cover the distance to him in one bound, the corral was too large for that, but she feinted to the right. Her head lashed out to aim a playful nip at his own black-coated rump, her dark gray tail swinging high, mane flaring in the breeze and her motion. Feinting back to her side of the corral, Neumi paced, pawing the dust and whisking her tail high, waiting for his retaliation, if there would be any.

THIS time though, unlike when she'd been around him before, there was a new light in her eyes. A playful sparkle had come into her brown orbs, a light spring in her prancing hooves and a tenseness in her muscles that came from the promise of play and motion. This time, she didn't regard the dust that clung to her dark forelegs and seemed unbothered by the prospect of what others would think if they saw her playing like a filly with a stallion. Let them have their thoughts, she was bored damn it and at least now he was somewhat entertaining.

ARCHING her neck, Neumi stood with her side facing the black stallion. She watched him with one eye, her front left leg slightly raised as if to take a step, the tip of her hoof touching the ground. Her tail stopped its high whisking and flicked instead more subtly. She watched him with an almost seductive manner, like a mare trying to appeal to a stallion though she was just playing. She remained still, waiting to see how he would react, what his play would be, muscles tense and ready to dart away and launch her own little 'attack'.

[[H]yperion]

Success! Hyperion's tongue got a brief taste of the blue roan mare before he fled the area. He had no idea how she was going to react, only knowing that she would chase him. However instead of lashing out and giving him a piece of her mind, Umi had followed suite in her own, playful gesture.

He snorted in surprise as she cut him off, reaching him quite quickly. She was more than just a pretty face. Feeling her teeth sink into his side, the stallion neighed faint protest, but it was quickly masked with a deep rumble of laughter. He did a few bucking kicks as though he was trying to knock Jim off in one of his braking sessions. Lucky she had scooted off just as quickly as she had came, her demeanor changed as much as his own. He trotted elegantly still on the other side of the corral, his orbs catching hers. Yes, her eyes told him everything. Maybe a little silliness was all they needed to kick things off right.

"That all you got?" He teased again, flicking his head up and down, challenging her. His own hoofs dirt the dirt below, muscles tense, his body much like a coiled snake- ready to spring into action. He couldn't help but smile as he focused on her playful expression. Lucky for him he wasn't thinking of what the others thought, right now he was focused on the intriguing filly in front of him. She had his full attention, with those slender legs in such a beckoning manner, those bright eyes finally alive with a light that he actually appreciated.

Rearing, the stallion charged, his thundering hooves moving in one fluid motion. If he had to chase, nip and play like this all day to keep Umi happy, he would. He himself didn't even fight the excited feelings that made his black form shudder.

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[!DETOXi]

THE stags neighed challenge barely got an ear flick out of the blue roan as she continued to wait in her beckoning pose. He wouldn't get a rise out of her quite yet, she preferred when others came to her, not the other way around. Whenever she was feeling playful or stubborn, she always made Emily put in a little extra effort. Why should Hype be any different? Simple answer: he shouldn't. So, she waited, batting a single big brown eye at him as she had seen others do but had never had the occasion to attempt herself. Just as expected, he took the bait, coming at her for another round of whatever unusual immature game they were playing. When he moved in the game however, Umi couldn't help but appriciate the hard coiled muscle and effort in grooming the humans had put into him. It really had shined him up, like a raw diamond that had been cut into a sparkling gem. Oh yes, much better than in the canyon.

WHEN he lunged, Neumi let him get close before springing to the left. Her tail swung close to his face, though she didn't look back to see if she actually hit him as she cantered along the curved fence of the corral to the other side where he had previously stood.

"BOY you haven't seen my best," Umi teased, pawing at the ground as she weaved from left to right with a high-stepping prance.

THANKFUL that the corral was one of the larger ones, Neumi bunched her muscles again and lunged toward the black stallion. This time, instead of aiming for his rump or his side, she aimed for his mane. Since he had been wild and the humans hadn't wanted to take away all of that or just because he wasn't quite done being groomed for show, his mane was a bit longer than that of a stable-kept horse, though Emily was fond of Neumi with a long mane. Umi and other horses typically had their manes kept short so they were easy to maintain and prepare for shows. Hype wasn't quite at that stage yet. Lunging for his mane, Neumi hoped to get a hold and give it a good playful tug.

SHE was close enough for the first time since being at the canyon to get a good whiff of his new scent. The smell of shampoo and Jim hung heavy around him but there was no denying the masculine scent all male horses had. Even Umi couldn't say he smelled like three week old roadkill anymore. Of course, she wouldn't be telling him that to his face. No need to boost his ego too high after all. He might have been made quite handsome by the humans but Umi wasn't free with her compliments, even to those that intrigued her. Not many horses at the stable would be this free with play, too stuck up or too well trained to 'misbehave'. Most of them just refused to act so immature. It was one thing to run as a herd in the pasture, quite another for a mare and stallion to be nipping at one another in such a playful, almost familiar manner.

OH well. The stalls would be buzzing with this anyway. She might as well give them something to talk about.

[[H]yperion]

Left, right, left, right, jump!

It had been ages since he last had this much on his mind. Following this prancing filly to her almost every move, they ran together, moved together. Even though one was in front of the other, they somewhat danced, relishing in each others company for just a moment. Working with each other for just a second.

The stag noticed Umi checking him out quickly as she trotted about, and he scrunched up his face to form a silly expression. He truly felt more alive now than he had in a long time- out there in the wild, or in here at the stables. Come to think of it, he really couldn't even pin point a time where he was just 'playing' like this. Nope, nothing came to mind and the stag just snorted. Better late than never right? And just as he brought himself back to Umi, the filly had disappeared from his very vision. Turning his head to spot the vanishing prancer, a light pain shot through his neck as his head spun back the other way. Did she just... pull his mane? Kicking his hooves to a halt, another chuckle escaped his dry mouth.

"Oh your sneaky!" He cackled, whirling on the spot to chase after her fleeing blue backside. He neighed with a new sense, not challenging nor angered. He was genuinely impressed at this point, and felt rather childish. And perhaps they were acting like a pair of immature fouls, but who cared? He didn't, and he secretly hoped she wouldn't either. It was just a spur of the moment that had snared them both into this little game, and that was always part of the fun.

Without hesitation, Hyperion idled up beside Umi. They ran together now, more as one than they were before. His brown orbs stared down a little to meet hers, his eyelid flashing shut in a cheeky wink. "Go on, show me your best, I dare you." And with that he fell back slightly, leaning his head over and over to nip at her back as much as he could. Some would say it was a romantic gesture, but Hyperion knew nothing of this and continued to tease his feisty play partner.

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[!DETOXi]

IT felt so odd to have someone run beside her. Sure, when the herd got together they tended to run close together just because they could. The difference was, Neumi had always felt set apart from them, as though there was a wall between her and the horses around her. Sometimes that feeling got so strong she just broke away from the main group to go off on her own because she didn't like it. The sensation of being all alone even when in a crowd bothered her, bothered her more than she would dare ever admit. This however, this was different. When the stallion fell into step just a little behind her, she felt as if he truly was there, all there, not just because by happy accident he was running next to her. When he stepped up his game and was running neck and neck with her, did she dare say her heart stuttered a little? He was warm and real and there, a physical mass next to her that dared to speak such a playful challenge. It wasn't an accident that they were running together. She wasn't just the horse he happened to fall in step with. For some reason, that seemed to make this whole immature business that much more fun.

A nip on Neumi's spine caught her attention, along with Hype's rumbled instructions. She him her best huh? He asked for it.

TOSSING her head, Neumi changed her pattern. She began to run around Hyperion instead of just around the corral. Her speed was picked up a little as the slightly shorter blue roan tried to herd the black stag toward the center of the corral. Once he was close enough, she widened her circles again so that her sides nearly brushed the corral's rails. Her darkened limbs lengthened their stride until she was doing what Emily called her 'show gallop'. It was a liquid movement, all smooth muscles, easy rhythm, arched neck, flowing mane and tail and an eyecatching almost seductive quality. It showed off the power of her lithe muscles, danced along her supple frame and brought out the best of both her breeds.

AFTER a minute or so of this eyecatcher, Neumi began to close her circles again until she was so close to Hype she could feel his breath. As she got closer, her speed dropped but the smooth quality of her movements and grace didn't falter in the slightest until at last she was slowly circling the stag so close their sides touched. She arched her neck in a way that could only be described as inviting, brown eyes half lidded as she regarded the stag. She stopped near his neck, nibbling along the smooth arch of muscle. She ignored the fact that she felt decidedly delicate compared to his more muscular frame. Instead she focused on her little trick. Using a soft breath to rustle his black mane, Neumi got close. All she needed was for him to lean just a little her way...

[[H]yperion]

A gentle, but healthy breeze picked up and drifted over the two galloping but peaceful looking pair of horses, leaves of red and gold danced about their blurred forms, seeming to join in on the chase. The stallion felt as though he would wake from a dream, to reveal a fake truth that this game hadn't even begun at all, and that the big brute had obviously met one of Umi's hooves, which had sent him into an unconscious state.

But the fantastic noise of thundering hooves that struck the ground with a ferocious fierceness, made it quite clear that this wasn't so. The heat from Umi's body, along with that darkened mane of hers tickling his face as he nipped her back. Not for one second did he think they could ever be at peace together like this, and any hard feelings he had were slowly melting away. Sure he could hold a grudge, but Umi might actually be a real possibility of a friend. And one of his own species at that. Feeling the filly pull away, the stag slowly came to a stop, those dark pools following her every move. He had to admit, her pace, her movement, was beautiful.

Should Hyperion close his eyes, he would easily be able to form her in his mind. He didn't dare to, hooves only shifting to follow her in her circular display. Her blue roan coat sparkled under the morning sun, much like a small clear water stream, allowing one to admire all the pretty shells and rocks underneath. He speckles represented those rocks, with her smooth muscles like dainty ripples above.

By now the tag was hypnotized, following, moving with her like a puppet. Her cheeky expression and those seductive brown gems made it clear to see her mind was on fire, an intense plan was forming in her mind. Closer and closer she came, but by now the stallions mind was empty, his only focus on Umi. If Hyperion had known better, he would have realized her tantalizing display was a trap, but any tedious thoughts were well washed away, leaving the stag at the filly's mercy.

His dark form shuddered ever so slightly as the roan drew close, her soft nips easing his stiff neck that seemed to have strained after her for too long. The heat from her lingering breath finally bought his eyes to close, the stallion letting out a relaxed snort. But of course, knowing his luck, things just didn't have to go well for him. The stallion froze, eyes wide open as a rightful kick from his member bought him out from his hypnotic state. Fuck.

And as Umi had wished, the stallion drew close to her, his large head almost touching her own, in fear she would notice his... not intended intentions.

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[!DETOXi]

APPARENTLY Neumi was a better little seductress than she had thought because as she drew close to finish off her trick, a wave of the male's scent hit her nostrils. Oh if Neumi's mama saw her in this situation, she would have beaten the odds and blushed from nose to tail tip. Strangely though, Umi couldn't quite make herself be either offended or repulsed like some mares would have been, particularly if they weren't in heat at the time. It was her own fault anyway, for getting him all riled up. So, Umi simply leaned her muzzle forward, her side flush against his as she nubbled at his neck and muzzle. She playfully pulled at his mane with lighter tugs than before, brushing her velvet-soft nose against the thickly corded muscle of his neck. She had to admit, he was handsome, but Emily had attempted to breed her enough that she knew if she was open to it. Of course, she'd stomped down (sometimes literally) ever suitor her girl had stuck her in a pen with. Mostly it was because she knew those brutes would be gone and not have to deal with the whole business of a foal. That was the way of humans breeding horses, the stallions didn't hang around and that was the part Umi had never really liked. If she was going to have a brat, she was going to make sure she wasn't the only one that had to deal with it.

TODAY though, was not Hype's lucky day. Maybe someday, if he really asked nice, but not today.

FEELING the ebony stag leaning more and more toward her, his breath hot in her neck as it combed through her mane, Umi remained still. She kept up her seductive little nips and tugs at his neck, coaxing him closer and closer, her petite frame showing its strength as she took on a bit more of the stag's weight with each passing moment. Oh this was just too easy...

SUBTLY, Neumi shifted her hind right hoof so it was just behind the stag's hind left hoof. For a moment she was still again, skimming her dark muzzle along the underside of Hype's head. Quick as a flash, the blue roan hooked her hind hoof against Hype's and pushed with her hip against him before shooting forward so that he no longer had a support beam. Her aim was to topple him or at least make him stagger rather ungracefully. Once Neumi had used that little trick on one of her 'suitors.' He had come to thoroughly detest her. Still, it was Hype's own fault, at least that was what Umi thought as she cantered to the other side of the corral. Coming to a stop with a whinny, she turned to see if her little gag had worked. He had asked for her best and right now that was the best she could come up with. Apparently on some level, it had worked because of nothing else she had him all worked up over something he wasn't going to get. Again, maybe someday if he asked nicely. Not today though. Winter was coming and like every other sane mare, Umi knew it was always best to bear in the summer, so she would become pregnant best during late winter. At least, that had been whenever Emily had last tried to pen her with a stallion. That was the only explaination Umi could come up with for it.

STANDING next to the fence across the corral from Hype, Umi swung her head around to see the fruits of her labor, brown eyes playful and smirking, half lidded. Her tail flicked coolly, her head arching slightly so that her head was about even with her withers as she looked back at Hype.